I wanna get a puppy...

[Dookus]

I've been thinking a lot about it. I think I'm gonna go to the pound tomorrow and look around. I'm unemployed and home a lot, the yard is fenced in, I have three cats - the oldest one LOVES dogs - and I just want a puppy, dammit!

Talk me into it or out of it.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

1. You GOTTA have a dog

Way more work than cats but far more joy...I love my guy.

[Dookus]

3. yeah

I love dawgies.

I had one a couple years ago, but ended up giving him to my sister (and he is WAAAAY better off there - he has three kids to love) because of my circumstances at the time. But now I'm around to train him and spend time with him. The big concern is that I'll have to go back to work at some point, but hopefully he'll be acclimated then.

I also have a gardener who would gladly care for him, and I know a great doggie day-care place run by my old dog trainer.

[Placebo]

2. Do it!

Puppies are sooooooooo cute, I would go pick up one at the shelter/anti-cruelty except i am starting college in a few weeks and wouldn't be able to give it the attention it would need :( also i live in an apartment with no backyard, *sigh*

definitely get one, it will be lucky to have you! :loveya:

[Maddy McCall]

4. Get you a dog, Dookus

You will make a great dog guy. Go get one tomorrow.

[DemWitch]

5. Puppies and dogs are the best...

Not to pee on your parade, but you said unemployed. A puppy requires alot of vet care the first year. Shots, deworming, spaying/neutering, emergency visits when they eat shit they shouldn't, etc. The main thing puppies require is love, but they also need good health care. Just a thought on the financial front...

[Dookus]

6. Not a problem

thanks. I'm fortunate that I can enjoy my unemployment without severe financial worries.

[Leilani]

7. Do it!!!

I also want a puppy so badly...I have always had a dog...my last was a Basset Hound named Pookie.

But right now I am renting...no pets allowed.

So I am in serious doggie withdrawl.

[Dookus]

8. aww

I love bassets!

I'll probably just get a mutt from the pound. My other thought is a rescue greyhound.

[Leilani]

9. Pound or rescue is terrific!

My son got a beautiful black kitten rescue & I named him Kahuna...

he has grown huge & he is a love. His favorite thing is playing with ribbons.

I know a guy who adopted a grayhound...they are very sweet, but love to run.

[Dookus]

12. I've heard mixed things about greyhounds

especially rescues.

I've met people involved in greyhound rescue and they have consistently said that a former racer has no interest in running once they get a home. The ones I've met confirm that.

But... there's no denying the breed is "into" running. I hope a greyhound owner can chime in and set the record straight.

[Placebo]

10. deleted

message not necessary anymore :)

[Dookus]

16. oh....

NOW i'm curious...

[ps1074]

11. DO IT... NOW

You'll have a friend for life and lots of fun. I just adore dogs :hi:

How can you say NO to a puppy like this one?

[Dookus]

14. hehe

well THAT puppy scares me, but I hope I can find one with a less evil attitude.

[Ellen Forradalom]

13. My dog is a godsend

I suffer from bipolar disorder, and my dog is a real lifesaver when I'm down. He doesn't care if I'm in a good or bad mood, he just loves me :loveya:

[Dookus]

15. that's part of my reason for wanting one

I'm prone to depression with the occasional mania and having a pet who relies on me and will make me go to the beach daily would be a good thing.

[Gore1FL]

17. Yes!

I don't know what I'd do without my Pit Beagle! Whoever coined "man's best friend" was not kidding!

I recommend a mix breed.

1> they are cheap
2> more diverse gene pool
3> When a dog greets you, tail wagging, the last thing you care about is pedegree

[Dookus]

18. yeah

the only breeds I'd go out of my way for are Clumber Spaniel, English Bulldog and German Shepherd.

I plan to get a mutt.

[Placebo]

19. Just think, there's some dog out there right now in a cage...

with your name on it! lonely and whimpering just waiting for you! :)

[Dookus]

20. heheh

don't put THAT kinda guilt on me. I want to make sure any dog I get will be happy with the life I can give him.

[Gore1FL]

21. Any dog you get will be happy

as long as you give it love (and food!)

Dogs are loyal animals, and it doesn;t take much to win them over.

The first few days, do a lot of playing (and a bit of training). Just like himans, dogs suddenly changing environments are going to be frightened. If you are there for them during the transistion they will be YOURS forever.

Dogs typically have a favorite person -- It has been my observation that this is the person who comforts and attends to them in the first few days, or even hours.

When I drove my dog home for the first time, he rode on my lap as I drove. We were buds from there on out.

[Dookus]

22. aww..

how sweet.

Yes, it's my experience that dogs LOVE training, which is why I'm leaning toward a breed-mix that includes working dogs.

[Old and In the Way]

23. We got an 8 week old Golden Retriever.......

Have had me 2 weeks. he's so damn cute. Of course I'm 600 feet off the road and he's got 50 acres raise hell on.

[Dookus]

25. nice

Goldens are great dogs. Not my preference, though.

[Grey]

24. Dogs in general

I have never been so happy as I have been with a dog in my life. got to tell you about the "Mutt" we found 3 mounths ago at the SPCA. "such a duck" She is the nicest, we just love her, Her mommy was a Cocker and her daddy is still a question mark, like, who cares? we think He may have been a terrior(?) or a terror(?)
For love and understanding thy name is DOG. I spent some time finding the right match, two years, since we lost Ben, an Elk hound, However, We think the time has been well spent voluntering at the SPCA and dog walking for those less fortunate. You could think about foster caring for older dogs that have a hard time finding a home and the SPCA will pick up the vet bills for you. What ever you choose , god bless and good luck.